Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Chapter Twenty-One
**Verse 147**
Even though the moon, devoid of brilliance, destroys the terrible darkness and causes the lotus forest to bloom, the sun is unable to dispel Rahu.
**Verse 148**
Just as this sun is being destroyed, so too will this youthful sun, afflicted by the eclipse of old age, be destroyed. Bound by the strong ropes of fate, this poor creature will inevitably enter the jaws of death.
**Verse 149**
Considering this world to be impermanent, King Kirtidhara addressed his ministers assembled in the court, saying, "Oh ministers! Protect this earth, bounded by the ocean. I am departing on the path of liberation."
**Verse 150**
Upon hearing this, the assembly, filled with wise men and relatives, became filled with sorrow and said, "Oh King! You are the only husband of this entire earth."
**Verse 151**
This earth, under your control, and with all enemies defeated, will not be adorned without you. Possessing great strength in your youth, rule like Indra.
**Verse 152**
The king replied, "Seeing this forest of afflictions, filled with the trees of birth, enveloped in the fire of old age, separation, and aversion, and extremely long, I am filled with great fear."
**Verse 153**
When the ministers understood the king's firm resolve, they extinguished a large pile of burning embers and placed a beautiful, radiant, and excellent vaidurya gem in the middle. Its brilliance illuminated the extinguished embers.